Wednesday, 31 May 2017

LET'S NOT FORGET WHAT WARATAH WAS.

The Advertiser (Adelaide) Tuesday 29 September, 1908.THE NEW STEAMER

WARATAH.

Lund's Blue Anchor liner Waratah, whichwas launched on September 12. will leaveLondon on November 5 on her maiden voyage to Australia. She will leave Adelaideon her return voyage about January 9. Itis only suitable that a firm who have beenso long connected with the shipping trade,between England and Australia, via South Africa, as have Messrs. W. Lund & Sons, should christen their vessels with Australian names, as for instance the: Narrung, Wilcannia, Wakool, Commonwealth, and; Geelong, which are the names of steamers at present composing the Blue Anchor line fleet. Another Australian name is to be given to the fine vessel about to be added to the line, namely, the "Waratah". Although the origin of this name does not appear clear at present, it is doubtless aboriginal, and it is the name borne by the national flower of New SouthWales. The steamer which is to bearthis name is a twin-screw vessel ofsome 10.000 tons, her principal dimensionsbeing as follows:-Length. 460 ft.; breadth 59 ft.; depth. 38 ft. The vessel will be classed 100 A1 at Lloyds. The steamer is divided into seven watertight compartments, and has a cellular double bottom extending practically the full length of the ship. The Waratah will cater for the conveyance of first and third class passengers,and the greatest care and attention hasbeen paid to all the small details which willhelp to make the ship one of the most comfortable steamers afloat. No first salooncabins are situated lower than the bridgedeck, so that passengers will be able atpractically all times to leave their cabinports open. On this deck there are 24 cabins containing two sleeping berths and a long sofa fitted with a spring mattress, and there are also two exceptionally large four-berth cabins(each with a sofa in addition), suitable forfamilies. At the forward end of thebridge deck is placed the dining saloonwhich is a fine apartment, capable of seating 100 passengers, and a large number ofthe tables are arranged on the restaurantsystem, which is one of the latest popularinnovations on board steamers, and now being used for the first time in the South African and Australasian trades. The pantry and serving room are situated close to the dining saloon, but completely bulkheaded off from the passenger accommodation, so that it will be impossible for the smell of food to reach the cabins. Next to the family cabins on this deck is a good sized nursery.

On the promenade deck is a large lobby,at the forward end of which is the drawing-room, a commodious apartment containing piano, four writing tables, and lounges conveniently placed for passengerswishing to play cards, etc. This room islighted by means of large square windowsand a dome from the boat deck above,which runs through to the dining saloon below. Opening on to the lobby already mentioned are six single-berthed cabins, fittedwith a square window each, andtwo large two-berth cabins, eachwith a porthole as well as a square window.The lower berths in these two choicerooms, as well as in some of the othercabins on the ship, are extensible, in orderthat, when required, they may form doublebeds, 4 ft. wide. Aft will be found 12more two-berth cabins, all of large size.Right at the after end of this deck is arecessed deck lounge, fitted with tables, andhere passengers will obtain perfect shelterwhilst at the same time being able to sit out in the mien.

On the after end of the boat deck is aspacious smoking-room, panelled in oak,with skylight overhead, and containingwriting and card tables. There is a barattached. Outside this room is anotheropen-air lounge, with tables, and it is anticipated that this innovation (fitted for thefirst time on a steamer in this trade) willhe thoroughly appreciated by passengers.The forward end of the boat deck is reserved for passengers, in addition to thepromenade deck. On this deck are alsoarranged the captain's and navigating officers' cabins, and above is the navigatingbridge, at a height of about 50 ft. abovesea level (compared with the depth of the hull - 38.5 ft. - no wonder there were concerns).

Every saloon cabin on this line is fitted ina manner to ensure the maximum amount ofcomfort to be obtained in a temporary homeon the sea and in every cabin for morethan one passenger is a chest of drawers,a large wardrobe for ladies' dresses, in addition to patent washbasin, bootlocker,and drawers underneath the sofas.In the after part of the steamer, situatedon the upper and main decks, is accommodation for 300 (not 700) third-class passengers in cabins arranged with two, four, six and eight berths. The comfort of these whowish lo travel at a low fare has been wellconsidered. The passenger who a fewyears ago booked at what was, and still is,known as the "open berth rate." will beable to obtain a berth in a six-berth oreight-berth cabin at the same charge. Onthe upper deck is a comfortable diningsaloon, extending the full breadth of thevessel, fitted with revolving chairs, and atthe after end of the deck and completelyshut off from the cabins, are five bathroomsand up-to-date lavatory accommodation.

Above the upper deck is a promenade reserved exclusively for third-class passengers, and a further promenade is providedon the boat deck overhead. Also on thepromenade deck are found the smokingroom and ladies' lounge. A piano is fittedin the dining saloon for the use of third class passengers.

The Waratah is fitted with ample hospital accommodation, and the services ofthe ship's doctor are always at the disposal of passengers needing them. Two ormore stewardesses are carried to attend tothe requirements of ladies. The ship islighted by electricity throughout, and allsaloon cabins and public apartments arefitted with electric bells. The vessel isfitted with two sets of quadruple expansionengines which will be balanced to ensureof there being little or no vibration (not the case). They will be of great power, capable of driving the ship at a high speed. The most up-to-date refrigerating plant has been installed, so that all on board will be provided with fresh provisions, vegetables,fruit etc., throughout the voyage. TheWaratah will have close upon 15,000 tonsof space for the carriage of coal, and general and refrigerated cargo (way above specifications), and to deal withthis tremendous quantity the ship is fittedwith appliances ensuring the quickest possible delivery to merchants.